It is not absolutely necessary to remove baseboards to install new hardwoods but remember that wood floors require an expansion gap of 1 2 inch along the surrounding walls to accommodate expansion and contraction with changes in moisture and humidity.
Installing laminate flooring without removing baseboard.
The main purpose of baseboards is to hide the gap between the floor covering and the wall but over the years they can become so much.
How to install click laminate flooring without removing baseboards.
Sand and paint baseboard.
Is it necessary to remove baseboards when installing hardwood flooring.
The following is a guest post from an esteemed diy er at this point professional diy er on a tough subject.
Install underlayment and flooring.
The other option would be to install quarter round on the existing baseboard to cover the gap between the laminate or hardwood flooring.
If your baseboards have been glued to the wall and would cause damage if you tried to remove them it may be best to leave them.
Fill nail holes with wood filler and sand after filler dries.
Caulk top of baseboard to wall with clear caulk.
It will be a mess 9.
5 finish the first course of laminate by custom fitting the last piece.
Be sure not to caulk baseboard to floor.
Removing the baseboard so you can reinstall it after the new flooring is installed is one way to save some money.
Installing hardwood floors without removing the baseboards is possible and it s a suitable option for other types of flooring as well.
How to install hardwood floor without removing the baseboard.